Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/15/2009

Question
I will have to have Hernia repair.  Looking at answer to another question, I would infer that the local would be the answer for me, IF it is for my surgeon.  What effect does a normal low heart rate have on anesthesia?  I know I cannot have medicine for my Tachycardia because it would make my heart rate even slower!

Answer
I am confused by your questions! You first ask about local but say if it is for my surgeon. That is not correct. Local is for your benefit (if you want it) because it allows you to report chest pain, etc and you control your own vital signs. As for the low heart rate, you say "I know I can't have medicine for my tachycardia..." but you don't have tachycardia so why would you be taking medicine for it? There is no problem with low heart rate and anesthesia as long as your blood pressure is stable. If it is not, we can always give you medicine to speed up your heart.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston